What are the key components of Basic Life Support?

The key components of Basic Life Support (BLS) are centered around prompt and effective intervention during a cardiac arrest situation to optimize the patient's chances of survival. The correct answer emphasizes several critical steps: the early recognition of cardiac arrest ensures that the responder can act quickly, which is vital as every minute counts. Calling for help brings additional resources into the situation, allowing for quicker emergency response. High-quality chest compressions are essential as they maintain blood circulation, delivering oxygen to vital organs, including the brain and heart, until further medical help arrives. Finally, providing rescue breaths helps to reintroduce oxygen into the lungs, which is crucial when a person is not breathing.

Other choices do not encompass the complete BLS approach. For instance, focusing strictly on medication and injury stabilization, or hospital assessment and admission, misses the immediate actions necessary for a non-breathing patient. While defibrillation is an important element in certain cases of cardiac arrest, it is effective only when paired with continuous high-quality CPR, not as a standalone action. Understanding these core components is essential for anyone trained in BLS to effectively respond to emergencies.